Mortgage Applications Up

An article in Realty Times, Real Estate Outlook: Mortgage Applications Rise by Kenneth R. Harney, indicates that a national survey indicated an increase of 37% in applications for loans to buy houses. What is driving the increase? A combination of lower interest rates and affordable home prices. It looks like many people have decided that this is the time to buy a home and the market may be starting the change.

Holiday Lights Map

AZ Central has a map which shows 98 different homes in the Phoenix area that have been decorated for the holidays in a spectacular fashion. Look for some near and enjoy some free holiday entertainment by doing a driving or walking tour.

Holiday Lights Map

Beginning of Housing Recovery?

There was an article in today's AZ Republic regarding signs that the local housing market may be starting on the road to recovery. Click on the link below to read it.

Steps Made in Housing Recovery

Minature Christmas Village

We discovered a house in Chandler with a huge minature Christmas Village in their garage. They are open on Saturday and Sunday nights. They also have a food drive box in their drive way if you would like to make a contribution - it is completely voluntary. This is a lot of fun for adults and children to look at. The address is 720 N Los Feliz, Chandler. They gave us permission to post pictures and their address on our blog.

Holiday Lights at the Phoenix Zoo

Another fun holiday season evening is the Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo. This is particularly enjoyable with children. You can stroll through the zoo where the plants are decorated with hundreds of lights and there are numerous light sculptures to enjoy. Zoolights runs from November 27 to January 11. You can buy tickets on-line by visiting their site (click on previous Zoolights link).

Luminarias at the Botanical Garden

One of the things we enjoy doing during the holiday season is attending Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. You get to stroll through the park at night lit by many luminaries. At various spots throughout the park there will be small musical groups performing or sometimes solo artists. Stop and enjoy these groups for as long as you like before moving to the next. You can check the website to see which musical groups will be performing on each night. It is recommended that you buy tickets in advance as many nights do sell out. Discounts on tickets are available for Garden members.